John Németh’s blues soaked vocals have a spectacular swagger that has quickly made him one of my favorite contemporary blues artists. His music channels the style and bold confidence of legends like B.B. King and Ray Charles. That is an elite duo to be mentioned with and Németh certainly holds his own as he brings his flair to the genre.
Németh, a Boise, Idaho native, has been cranking out soulful jams for the past decade. Appearances at blues festivals and constant touring have all lead up to recent album releases that are getting him noticed in a big way. This cat has a soulful intensity that will get your heart rate jumping. And once your heart has established a quick pace, Németh then busts out his harp and will send you into cardiac arrest. (You may want to consult your physician before listening to Németh’s music).
Németh’s 2009 release, Love Me Tonight, has been running through my speakers on repeat for the past few months. Love Me Tonight is a collection of songs that sound like they were recording in the late 1950′s in a bluesy R&B joint. The tracks are dynamic, catchy and on fire with a funk that will having you singing along. The old school R&B feel of the album is what makes it so incredibly enjoyable to listen to. Németh’s music is fresh, exciting and something you need to get your hands on.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Love Me Tonight”, “Just Like You” & “Fuel For Your Fire”
Live at The Knitting Factory “Love Me Tonight”
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What is in a name? Well, in the case of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, you get gritty hard-rock music. They certainly live up to their name which pays special homage to Marlon Brando’s motorcycle gang 1953 film, The Wild One. Peter Hayes, Robert Levon Been and Leah Shapiro make up the west coast super group that has been churning out honest-to-god rock music under the flag of B.R.M.C. for the past ten years.
Last month B.R.M.C. released the much anticipated Beat the Devil’s Tattoo. This record holds true to their formula of delivering rock and roll to the masses. The album has an overall sound that makes it feel like you got your hands on a bootleg recording that the band put together at 3am in their garage. And that style is what makes the album so darn good. B.R.M.C. delivers the kind of rock that encourages you to whip out your air guitars and invisible drumsticks and play along.
B.R.M.C. hit the mainstream spotlight when they had a track land on the 2009 New Moon movie soundtrack. That exposure coupled with ton of global touring is the combination needed to get their sound out to everyone. B.R.M.C. has a strong music catalog to listen through, but you will want to certainly start with Beat the Devil’s Tattoo for a great taste of what they guys are cookin’.
KC’s Personal Picks: “Beat the Devil’s Tattoo”, “War Machine” & “River Styx”
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Enjoy the music of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club? If so, you will need to check out the hard rockin’ Them Crooked Vultures.
Doyle Bramhall II first came to my attention in 2006 when I saw the incredible music documentary, Before the Music Dies. Bramhall’s musical journey was heavily featured in the film along with interviews with My Morning Jacket, Erykah Badu, Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews. The documentary should be mandatory viewing for all musicians and fans of music. You simply must see Before the Music Dies.
Bramhall pays homage to the blues with his Lightnin' Hopkins tattoo
In the documentary it was Bramhall’s struggle with major label representation that was highlighted. His issues with creative independence and getting his music out are very compelling. Through his interview and clips of his live performances I instantly got hooked on his music. After watching the film I ran out and got my hands on a copy of his 1999 release, Jellycream. This album is pure lightning in a bottle. It is raw, gritty, explosive and at the same time subtle, passionate and thoughtful. When asked the question “what albums would you want if you were trapped on a deserted island?” Jellycream would be one of them.
Bramhall is a master of the guitar and his blues-rock soaked voice is out of this world. His music catalog is robust with his solo projects, group work and guest appearances. He has collaborated on projects with Sheryl Crow, Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi and Eric Clapton. In 2000, it was Clapton that came across Jellycream and loved it so much that he and B.B. King recorded two of Bramhall’s songs for their Riding with the King album. Yeah, you read that right and yes, that is a big deal! Make it your duty to seek out the work of Doyle Bramhall II and others like him. Not only will you find yourself immersed in amazing music, but you will also ensure that great music stays alive.
KC’s Personal Picks: “I Wanna Be”, “Marry You” and “Day Come Down”
The trailer for “Before the Music Dies” that features Doyle Bramhall II and many others
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Need more rockin’ blues? Get yourself some Joe Bonamassa!
